Wheel Alignment vs. Wheel Balancing: What Does My Car Need?

Tires are essential for your car’s performance and safety. Without properly functioning tires, your vehicle wouldn’t go anywhere—much like the Tin Man without oil. But when it comes to tire maintenance, how do you know if your car needs a wheel alignment or wheel balancing? Let’s break it down and help you understand the difference.

What Is Wheel Alignment?

We’ve all heard of wheel alignment, but what does it really mean? Wheel alignment adjusts the angles of your wheels so they’re perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. This ensures that your car drives in a straight line and helps maximize the lifespan of your tires.

Signs You Need a Wheel Alignment:

The steering wheel won’t stay straight.
Tires wear unevenly or wear out quickly.
Your vehicle pulls to one side while driving.

If your car is showing any of these signs, it’s time to bring it in for a wheel alignment at Team Ryan Automotive.

What Is Wheel Balancing?

Now that we’ve covered alignment, let’s talk about wheel balancing. While it’s easy to confuse the two, wheel balancing is different from alignment. Wheel balancing ensures that the weight of the tire and wheel is evenly distributed. Properly balanced wheels minimize tire bounce and improve your car’s traction and steering control, leading to a smoother ride and extended tire life.

Signs You Need Wheel Balancing:

Uneven tread wear, often in a cupped pattern.
Vibration in the steering wheel or floorboards at higher (or any) speeds.
Poor fuel economy.

If you notice any of these issues, it’s likely time for a wheel balancing service. Team Ryan Automotive can help!

Importance of Tire Maintenance

Both wheel alignment and wheel balancing are essential for ensuring your safety and maximizing the life of your tires. Regular tire services, including rotation, alignment, and balancing, will keep your tires in optimal condition, saving you money on premature replacements.

Why Choose Team Ryan Automotive?

At Team Ryan Automotive, we’re committed to delivering quality service and making sure your car stays safe on the road. We pride ourselves on our expertise in tire care and maintenance, ensuring that you always receive the best advice and solutions for your vehicle.

The Importance of Proactive Tire Maintenance

Being proactive about tire services will save you money in the long run by preventing uneven tire wear and costly repairs. If you think your car may need a wheel alignment or wheel balancing, don’t hesitate to reach out to the auto experts at Team Ryan Automotive. We’ll help keep your car driving smoothly and safely.

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A Monument to Excellence: Phillip Beard Stadium Opens in Buford

By Shara Ryan • July 28, 2025

As Buford Highschool Football Sponsors, Team Ryan Automotive had the honor of attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the brand-new Phillip Beard Stadium. It was a milestone moment not only for Buford City Schools but for the entire Buford community. The heat was no joke, with temperatures nearing 100 degrees. As Phillip Beard himself remarked: “It’s hot out here!” But the sun didn’t stop the celebration or the community pride from showing up in full force. Joined by Georgia's Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, school board members, and other dignitaries, this event was as much about celebrating legacy as it was about looking ahead. “This is a place where we can bring our community together and celebrate our students,” said Dr. Amy Chafin, Buford’s new superintendent, during her remarks. “It’s about our athletes, our band, our cheerleaders - it’s about everyone.” ( AJC ) At Team Ryan Automotive, we remain committed to supporting our community, investing in it now and for the future. We were honored to be part of an event that truly brought Buford together. Serving all communities for Buford and Cumming, GA.

Standing with the Wolves: Team Ryan Automotive Sponsoring Buford Football’s Stadium Journey

By Shara Ryan • July 25, 2025

Team Ryan Automotive is a proud sponsor of Buford Football, and we’re honored to support the new Phillip Beard Stadium. The ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for Sunday, July 27 at 2 PM, marking the kickoff of a new era for the Wolves 🐺 As a family-owned business rooted in the community, we love cheering on our local high school, and this new stadium is truly something special. We’re proud to stand alongside our neighbors, the coaching staff, and these student-athletes who make our town proud. Join us in supporting Buford!

How Georgia Heat Affects Your Car Battery

By Dan Ryan • July 22, 2025

Summer Battery Tips from Team Ryan Automotive in Buford and Cumming When most drivers think of car battery issues, they often picture cold winter mornings. But in Georgia, the summer heat can be just as hard on your vehicle's battery . In fact, hot weather is one of the leading causes of battery failure. At Team Ryan Automotive, with locations in Buford and Cumming , we want you to stay prepared and safe through every season. Let’s take a closer look at how heat affects your battery and what you can do to prevent a sudden breakdown this summer. Why Heat is Harder on Your Battery Than Cold Although cold weather can make starting your car more difficult, summer heat is what causes the most long-term battery damage. Here’s why: High temperatures cause battery fluid to evaporate Heat speeds up corrosion inside the battery Excessive heat leads to internal breakdown of battery components Overworked air conditioning systems increase strain on the electrical system The result is a battery that wears out faster and can fail without warning. Common Signs of a Weak or Failing Battery Before your battery quits completely, it may show subtle signs of trouble. Watch for: Slow or sluggish engine start Dim headlights or dashboard lights Clicking sounds when turning the key Electrical accessories behaving erratically Dashboard battery warning light If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a quick battery test with Team Ryan Automotive in Buford or Cumming. It only takes a few minutes to know whether your battery is strong enough for the summer heat. What You Can Do to Extend Battery Life Protecting your battery during the summer is easier than you think. Here are a few simple steps that make a big difference: Park in shaded areas or use a windshield sunshade to reduce cabin heat Keep your battery clean and corrosion free Turn off electronics before shutting off your engine Limit short trips that prevent full battery recharging Schedule regular maintenance with a trusted local shop At Team Ryan Automotive, our technicians inspect battery condition and charging system performance as part of our Summer Safety Inspection. Free Battery Testing at Team Ryan Automotive Not sure about the health of your battery? Our ASE certified team offers free battery checks at both our Buford and Cumming locations. We will assess voltage, cold cranking amps, and overall battery health so you can drive with confidence. If your battery needs to be replaced, we carry trusted brands that perform well in Georgia’s extreme summer heat. Stay Powered All Summer Long Don’t let a worn-out battery leave you stranded in the heat. Stop by Team Ryan Automotive in Buford or Cumming and let our expert team make sure your battery is ready for the road ahead. Schedule your Summer Safety Inspection or free battery check today and drive into the season with peace of mind. Team Ryan Automotive is your local source for trusted car care and dependable service. Your safety starts with being prepared, and we are here to help every step of the way.